A small two-colour gold sealing wax case, Nicolas-Jean-Baptiste Choconain-Delaunay, Paris, 1781/2

oval section, scattered with pellets on a reeded ground within beaded borders, later vacant matrix, and a two-colour gold 'historismus' étui, probably late 19th century, in the taste of the 1780s, slightly tapering tubular form, decorated with mullets on a reeeded ground within raised lrmon gold beads, the matrix with a vacant escutcheon below a French baron's coronet, apparently unmarked, in 18th century shagreen case 

1. One panel of base with dent otherwise crisp and clean. 2. some denting to lid and base; pin holes have been drilled at the join presumably to facilitate the case's use as a lighter or lipstick holder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Nicolas Choconain-Delaunay was apprenticed in 1765 to the gold box maker Jean-Bernard Sauvage and became master in 1775, sponsored by Jean-Baptiste Choconain-Delaunay, marchand mercier and evidently a close relation. He is recorded on the pont au Change until 1787 and then at the rue des Fourreurs and rue des Ours until 1793. He was burgled in 1782 and among the many objects stolen are listed 18 gold snuff boxes, both for men and women, 12 etuis, 30 cane handles, some jewellery and some table silver (with Sr Anthiaume's mark). The quantities are interesting in that it is more common now to find etuis with Choconain-Delaunay's mark than snuff boxes.